Episodes
In this episode, Brian Bailie introduces a new acronym, CATT: Concepts, Assess, Train, and Track. This forms the foundation for understanding and improving short putting performance. Read, Speed, and Start Line: These are the three essential elements to making short putts. However, most golfers don't dig deep into identifying the root cause of their missed putts, instead treating symptoms such as "pulling" or "missing left." Often, players are under-reading putts and forcing the ball onto...
Published 10/08/24
In this episode of The Blend, Brian Bailie dives into the whiskey-making process, driven by questions from a recent tasting he hosted for the UVA data science team. He provides a detailed explanation of how whiskey is made, from selecting grains like barley, corn, rye, and wheat, to mashing, fermenting, distilling, and finally aging the spirit in oak barrels. Along the way, Brian discusses the importance of each stage, from the flavors imparted by the grains and yeast to the influence of...
Published 10/06/24
In this quick review of Maker's Mark, Brian Bailie highlights its approachable nature as a wheated bourbon, making it ideal for beginner whiskey drinkers. He describes its dark copper color, thin legs, and 90 proof, noting that its sweet honey and vanilla nose is matched by the smooth, sweet taste, with subtle oak and a baking sweetness rather than the typical caramel or burnt notes. The finish is medium, lingering with a soft, oily texture. Overall, he gives Maker's Mark a solid score of 3...
Published 10/05/24
In this episode of the Whiskey High IQ series, Brian Bailie explores three entry-level bourbons: Evan Williams Black Label, Maker’s Mark, and Wild Turkey 101. He discusses the definition and key characteristics of bourbon, including mash bills and proof levels, while highlighting the distinct differences between these whiskeys. Evan Williams offers a budget-friendly, sweet, but simple experience; Maker's Mark delivers a smooth, approachable taste with a high wheat content; and Wild Turkey 101...
Published 10/03/24
In this tasting of Evan Williams Black Label, Brian Bailie evaluates its light copper color, youthful character, and mash bill of mostly corn, rye, and malted barley. He notes its thin legs and 86 proof, describing the nose as having some ethanol with sweet caramel, vanilla, and oak. Despite a slightly rough nose, the taste is smoother than expected, with a sugary sweetness, mild oak, and hints of rye spice. The short finish is quick and sweet, making it more suited for cocktails than sipping...
Published 10/02/24
In Episode 3 of Whiskey High IQ's "Why I Suck at Short Putts?" training mode, the focus is on improving putting performance by assessing and training three key components: Read, Speed, and Start Line. Brian Bailie emphasizes that reading the green is the most crucial for short putts, recommending using your feet to gauge slope severity. Speed control, or distance control, is developed through structured practice, adjusting stroke length and timing to roll putts consistently past the hole...
Published 10/01/24
In this week's GolfCask podcast, Brian Bailie dives into the transition from summer to fall, discussing how golfers can use the off-season to focus on skill-building and simple stat-keeping to prepare for the next season. He emphasizes the importance of journaling progress and honing specific golf skills, while also introducing three fall-themed Old Fashioned whiskey cocktails—Pumpkin Pie, Bread Pudding, and Burnt Cinnamon—designed for whiskey beginners using creative simple syrups. He also...
Published 09/29/24
In celebration of my late September birthday, I’m kicking off a journey to taste and rank 104 whiskeys by next September. I’ll be diving into two tastings a week, featuring a mix of samples, gifts, speakeasy collections, and blind tastings. This is going to be a lot of fun, and I’d love for you to join me along the way—let’s explore and enjoy these whiskeys together!
Published 09/28/24
In Episode 2 of Whiskey High IQ, the host explains what defines a bourbon, covering key requirements like being made in the U.S., using at least 51% corn in the mash, and aging in new charred oak barrels for at least two years. The episode also introduces three bourbons for the next week's tasting: Evan Williams Black Label, Maker's Mark (a wheated bourbon), and Wild Turkey 101 (a high-rye bourbon), each offering distinct flavors and proof levels. The host guides viewers on how to properly...
Published 09/26/24
This putting hack focuses on improving green reading by introducing the concept of a "gutter" to quantify putt reads. The gutter represents the area where a ball should end up if the read is correct. A correct read will leave the ball within this defined zone, while misses below or outside indicate read, speed, or start line issues. The hack emphasizes that while most players and coaches focus on start lines, a good read is crucial for consistent performance. By tracking misses and...
Published 09/24/24
Welcome to GolfCask Nation! I'm Brian Bailie, bringing you another episode of The Blend, our question and answer series where we tackle all things golf and whiskey. Today, we’re fielding questions from all levels—newbies, casual, dangerous, and enthusiasts—across both worlds. And since we’re inside, why not do a blind whiskey tasting to kick things off? I’ve got last year’s #20 poured up, and I have no idea what it is. But that’s the fun of a blind tasting, right? We’ll nose, check the legs,...
Published 09/22/24
In the first episode of "Whiskey High IQ," Brian Bailie introduces Four Roses Single Barrel and dives into whiskey basics, explaining it as a distilled spirit made from grains like barley, corn, rye, and wheat. He outlines the origins of whiskey in Ireland and Scotland, discusses the regional spelling differences ("whiskey" vs. "whisky"), and provides an overview of the four primary grains used in whiskey production. Barley is known for its rich, complex flavors and is key in Scotch and Irish...
Published 09/19/24
In this episode of Golf High IQ, Brian Bailie tackles the question, "Why do I suck at short putts?" by breaking down the key components of successful putting: read, speed, and start line. He explains that many golfers mistakenly focus heavily on start line drills when, in fact, read and speed are more critical for short putts (3-6 feet). Through a stool analogy, Brian highlights the importance of balancing all three components, noting that even with a face error of up to two degrees, good...
Published 09/17/24
Get ready for the Birdwood Golf Course Signature Holes Showdown! 🏌️‍♂️🔥 That's right—back-to-back signature holes where Rob Failes, Player Development Leader, and I, Brian Bailie, go head-to-head in a friendly battle to see who comes out on top. My money’s on Rob, but you never know! 😉 It’s more than just great golf—our conversations between shots and holes are packed with insights that will help both players and coaches elevate their game and approach. Don’t miss it! 🎙️ #GolfShowdown...
Published 09/15/24
In this episode of "Whiskey Made Me Say It," Brian Bailie interviews Mike Grevlos, a psychology professor at the University of Sioux Falls, who specializes in motivation and sports psychology. They discuss the importance of understanding motivation in both golf and life, emphasizing how focused goals can lead to better performance. Mike shares insights on the mental game, including the pitfalls of overemphasizing social factors and the dangers of trying to control uncontrollable elements like...
Published 09/08/24
This Name, has become synonymous with bourbon. It's a brand that has endured for over two centuries, weathering wars,, and the Great Depression. But behind every bottle lies a story of resilience, family legacy, and an unexpected turn that ensured its survival. And now, the rest of the pour.
Published 09/05/24
The "Bottled and Bonded" designation represents a high standard of quality in the American whiskey industry, established by the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act to combat deceptive production practices. Whiskeys bearing this label must be produced in one distillation season by a single distiller, aged for at least four years in a government-supervised bonded warehouse, bottled at 100 proof, and clearly labeled with their distillery of origin. This ensures the whiskey's authenticity, quality, and...
Published 09/02/24
Brian Bailie and Gareth McShea discuss their recent venture, "Greens and Grain," a society merging whiskey and golf, launched in Ireland with positive feedback. They plan to adapt the concept for U.S. regulations at Green Hills Country Club in Virginia, featuring golf and whiskey sharing. They also chat about their experiences with various whiskies and prepare for their next event, using the club’s private status to enjoy a selection of rare whiskeys. The conversation highlights the cultural...
Published 09/02/24
🥃🎙️ In this podcast episode, Brian Bailie interviews Rebecca Harris from Catoctin Creek Distillery, as part of the "Whiskey Made Me Say It: Virginia Distillers Edition." Rebecca talks about their journey, starting the distillery in 2009, and the inspiration drawn from the history of whiskey in America. 📜 The distillery focuses on making rye whiskey the traditional way, using pot stills despite more efficient options available. Rebecca, a chemical engineer, explains the decision as a...
Published 09/02/24
Enjoy a light herted and fun single malt tour inside this episode of the speakeasy! Follow us at  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fuel Performance Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you enjoyed this podcast, about whiskey and golf.....please follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@Speakeasy_Mixing_Passions⁠⁠⁠⁠ on⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and your favorite podcast provider, ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ has the video version Please leave us a 5 star ranking for the team , this will help us find more listeners and expand our capabilities. also join us...
Published 09/02/24
When you lovely wife questions your whiskey allotment , you need to work the problem. Invite her to crack a bottle and review together. :-) Follow us at  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fuel Performance Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you enjoyed this podcast, about whiskey and golf.....please follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@Speakeasy_Mixing_Passions⁠⁠⁠⁠ on⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and your favorite podcast provider, ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ has the video version Please leave us a 5 star ranking for the team , this will help us find more listeners and expand our...
Published 09/02/24
Learn about golf, life, perfomance and Whsikey in this great sit down via the internet with Gaerth McShea. You know Gareth from counless apperances in Fuel, In the Hunt Podcast and other streaming services. Follow us at  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fuel Performance Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you enjoyed this podcast, about whiskey and golf.....please follow ⁠⁠⁠@Speakeasy_Mixing_Passions⁠⁠⁠ on⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and your favorite podcast provider, ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ has the video version Please leave us a 5 star ranking for the...
Published 09/02/24
John Pond, former Div 1 football player, whiskey enthusist and Golf nut Joins the Speakeasy. Tasting and Talking....... Follow us at  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fuel Performance Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you enjoyed this podcast, about whiskey and golf.....please follow ⁠⁠@Speakeasy_Mixing_Passions⁠⁠ on⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and your favorite podcast provider, ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ has the video version Please leave us a 5 star ranking for the team , this will help us find more listeners and expand our capabilities. also join us...
Published 09/02/24
Enjoyed tasting the blind barrel selection, Rock Town, And field six questions from you the listener..... Follow us at  ⁠⁠⁠Fuel Performance Network⁠⁠⁠. If you enjoyed this podcast, about whiskey and golf.....please follow @Speakeasy_Mixing_Passions on⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and your favorite podcast provider, ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ has the video version Please leave us a 5 star ranking for the team , this will help us find more listeners and expand our capabilities. also join us...
Published 09/02/24
Learn more with out blind tasting and Eddie's Allotment. Follow us at  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Fuel Performance Network⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you enjoyed this podcast, about whiskey and golf.....please follow ⁠@Speakeasy_Mixing_Passions⁠ on⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and your favorite podcast provider, ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ has the video version Please leave us a 5 star ranking for the team , this will help us find more listeners and expand our capabilities. also join us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠videos.mygameforge.com⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Also...
Published 09/02/24